Where Do We Begin?

Starting this blog is a leap into the unknown—exciting and a bit intimidating. It’s about capturing life’s little moments and sharing them openly, hoping they resonate with someone, somewhere. Maybe we’ll even share a laugh over life’s twists. Those who know me know I’m an open book, unafraid to be vulnerable. But expressing myself publicly in writing? That’s where I’ve stumbled, held back by imposter syndrome and a fear of judgment. Despite encouragement to step into the limelight, self-doubt often had the upper hand. This year, I’m challenging myself to break through those barriers by starting this blog, a space to unfold my thoughts, adventures, and dreams.

Adventure has always fueled my soul. From plotting future journeys on Pinterest during my high school days to embracing every thrilling escapade—from travel to rollercoasters—adulthood has been a canvas for my adventurous spirit. Travel, in particular, has opened my world, introducing me to diverse cultures and perspectives, enriching my understanding of life.

The pivotal moment for my new adventure came in 2021 during a candid session in couples therapy. Faced with our differing priorities, I realized the need for personal space—a sanctuary where I could be myself without straining the bonds of my relationship. This realization led me to swap my blue Ford Escape for a van, a mobile space of my own to explore both the world and my inner landscape.

As I embraced the idea of van life, I dove into the community, drawing inspiration from fellow van lifers like the host of the “Divine on the Road” podcast. Her stories of solo journeys resonated deeply, bolstering my confidence to venture out on my own.

In June of 2022, I set out for California, making my temporary home on a friend’s land in Mt. Shasta. The journey took me through scenic routes from Colorado to Lake Tahoe, each mile adding to my life’s mosaic. “Pictures of You” by The Cure became the anthem of my journey, a song that had always signified growth and vulnerability in my previous modeling endeavors and now underscored my transformative road trip. It was a time of intense emotional upheaval—navigating the end of a long-term relationship and embarking on a solitary path.

Amidst this journey of self-discovery, a series of unexplainable synchronicities involving my ex, Mason, unfolded. It started with a dream and a surprise ‘like’ on social media, followed by a license plate sighting—all pointing his name out to me as if by cosmic design. While initially dismissing these as mere coincidences, they prompted me to reflect deeply on the paths we take and the signs we choose to see. Reconnecting with Mason, who had also recently moved to California and was navigating his own life changes, was unexpectedly comforting. Our renewed friendship, emerging from shared experiences and timely reconnections, reminded me that sometimes, the universe conspires to show us we’re not alone in our journeys.

This blog is more than a travel diary; it’s a declaration of independence and self-discovery, a testament to trusting oneself and embracing the unknown with open arms. As I continue to share my stories, I invite you to join me in celebrating each step, no matter how uncertain, and to find joy in the journey, wherever it may lead. Here’s to the open road and the stories it holds.